Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia

With fewer than 100 thought to exist in the wild, Sumatran rhinos are some of nature's rarest creatures.

So news that a female calf was born at the Way Kambas National Park on Sumatra Island in Indonesia on May 12 was very welcome.

The 14-year-old mother Ratu gave birth to the calf, and she and the baby, who weighed 20kg at birth, are doing well.

"We are overjoyed that Ratu delivered a healthy calf and are cautiously optimistic that the calf will continue to thrive," said Dr Susie Ellis, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).

"She's absolutely adorable and we haven't stopped smiling since the moment we were sure she was alive and healthy. While one birth does not save the species, it's one more Sumatran rhino on Earth."

Ratu required extensive veterinarian attention in the weeks leading up to the birth.

She also gave birth to a male rhino in 2012, making this the second Sumatran rhino born at the IRF's Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary.